Chevalier de la Cree 2018 Cote de Beaune Knights Templar Cuvee Rouge

A richly expressive and elegantly balanced Burgundy, the 2018 Chevalier de la Crée Côte de Beaune Knights Templar Cuvée Rouge marries noble structure with refined fruit clarity. It offers vibrant red and dark berry tones, lively mid-palate flesh, and a persistent finish — a wine that stands confidently on its own while also rewarding thoughtful food pairing or cellaring.

Origins & Craftsmanship

This wine hails from the Côte de Beaune, a prestigious sub-region of Burgundy known for producing refined and terroir-driven Pinot Noir. The Knights Templar Cuvée is crafted with careful attention to site and vintage character, drawing fruit from well-situated parcels that benefit from clay-limestone soils, moderate sun exposure, and excellent drainage. These soils encourage a balance of fruit concentration and mineral energy that defines quality Côte de Beaune reds.

Vine cultivation is attentive and traditional: low yields, selective hand-harvest, and gentle handling in the cellar. Fermentation typically occurs with indigenous yeasts to preserve varietal purity and site expression, followed by élevage in French oak barrels — a blend of new and seasoned wood chosen to support structure while enhancing aromatic complexity. The extended maturation period allows the wine to integrate fruit, oak, and terroir influences into a seamless whole.

Critics Reviews & Scores

Critics and Burgundy specialists place this expression in a high tier among Côte de Beaune village/fine cuvée reds, noting both its balance and layering:

James Suckling — 91 Points
Professionals highlighted this wine for its engaging aromatic profile and balanced palate. Suckling notes aromas of dark fruit, dried herbs, and violets, and describes the wine as medium-to-full-bodied with bright acidity and powdery tannins, offering flavors of dried cherries and sweet strawberries carried with juicy, lively character. 

Burghound / Aggregate Consensus — ~90–92 Points
While not always formally scored in broad industry publications, aggregated expert assessments (based on merchant and review summaries) place this wine in the low-to-low-90s range, praising its smooth balance, soft tannins, and bright, expressive red fruit — traits typical of well-made Côte de Beaune village-level wines.

Across professional commentary, the consensus emphasizes firm structure, expressive aromatics, and persistent finish — qualities that mark this cuvée as a standout within its appellation and vintage.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
A fragrant bouquet of red cherry, wild strawberry, and raspberry leads, woven with subtle violet and rose petal florals. Beneath, hints of earthy sous-bois, cedar spice, and a touch of citrus twist add dimension.

Palate:
Medium-bodied with silky yet energetic texture. Flavors of fresh red and black fruit — tart cherry, pomegranate, and blackberry — are framed by lifted acidity and fine tannins. Notes of soft baking spice, cedarwood, and mineral earth give backbone and complexity, with oak support integrated smoothly into the profile.

Finish:
Long, resonant, and balanced, finishing with fruit echoes, gentle spice, and a minerally note that lingers with finesse, suggesting both immediate pleasure and potential for graceful aging.

Quick Overview

Serving & Pairing Notes

Serve:
Slightly below room temperature (55-60°F / 13-16°C) in a tulip glass to showcase aromatic nuance and layered structure.

Pair With:
• Duck breast with cherry reduction
• Coq au vin or mushroom-based dishes
• Grilled salmon or pork tenderloin
• Soft cheeses like Époisses or Brie